Wiltshire dairy company Coombe Castle has reported a surge in global demand as grants support its production line.
The Melksham-based dairy was established in 1980 and exports its products to countries including Japan, Canada, USA and Hong Kong. It recently received support from Business West's membership team, in the form of a £300,000 grant from both DEFRA and the Rural Payments Agency to support the transformation of its processing plant.
This has given the company, which was recognised in this year's King's Awards for Enterprise, the opportunity to purchase equipment and assist with increasing the volumes of cream it can process. Coombe Castle has increased its production by 20% since 2021 and sales have increased in the last year by 16%.
Read more: Cornwall's Falmouth Food Festival to launch later this month
Cheese is the UK’s third highest value food export and total value exported increased by 12.3% from 2019 – 2022. Total volume exported increased by 14.6% from 2021 – 2022.
Darren Larvin, the company’s managing director, said: “Being an Initiative Member of Business West has allowed us to not only receive grants, but we’ve also been put in touch with property developers to expand as we are running out of space where we are.
“As we are heavily focused on export, we have also received support from Business West’s export documentation team which has been invaluable during the Brexit transition period. Being part of Business West’s membership community really allows for that 360 support for your business.”
The Initiative is Business West’s top-level membership group made up of 160 business leaders and key individuals who want to who positively influence the way the region is shaped, managed, and developed.
As a result of scaling up their production, Coombe Castle has also been able to invest in its sustainability strategy and has received advice from Business West’s net zero adviser, Aisha Stewart.
Emma Carter, director of membership at Business West, said: “Coombe Castle’s recent success and growth is fantastic to see and is a real testament to the impact the business community can have when it comes together.
“As a B Corp organisation, Business West is committed to supporting businesses to grow in a way that balances planet with profit and we would encourage businesses big and small to get in touch with us to make the most out of the thriving business community we have in the South West.”
Read next:
Wiltshire manufacturing company Avon Protection reports improved profit in latest results
Full £23.2m funding secured for Bridgwater Town Deal projects
South West confidence ‘slowly’ rising, Federation of Small Businesses finds
Plant-Ex Ingredients increases production capacity after securing £3.3m funding
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
